Documentation

Insert Pad

3 min read

Insert Pad is used to insert a Component Pad into a PCB Footprint, and to insert a Pad into a PCB Documentation Symbol.

Insert SMD Pad is used to insert a Surface Mounted Component Pad into a PCB Footprint.

Shortcuts

Insert Pad:

Default Keys: None

Default Menu: Insert

Command: Insert Pad

Insert SMD Pad:

Default Keys: None

Default Menu: Insert

Command: Insert SMD Pad

Locating this option

Available from:

Insert menu > Pad option

Insert menu > SMD Pad option

How To Insert A Pad

  1. Select the Insert Pad or Insert SMD Pad icon from the Insert menu, select Pad or SMD Pad.

  2. A pad will appear in the footprint, moving at the end of the cursor. If another pad was selected prior to entering the option, then the new pad’s style, layer and pin number position will be copied from it. Otherwise, the pad’s details and it’s names style will be as defined in Pad Defaults.

    The pad will be allocated the next free pin number not already used in the footprint.

  3. Right click to use the shortcut menu as follows:

    * Rotate - the pad (if it has a length) to the correct orientation. * Mirror - the pad's shape. * [Change Style](../Change/idh_change_style_pad.md) - to use a different shape * [Change Layer](../Change/idh_change_layer.md) - to make the pad through hole or surface mount. * [Insert Multiple Items](idh_insert_multiple_items.md) - to to switch from adding a single pad to adding multiple copies at the same time. A dialog will be displayed for you to specify how many pads in each direction and the gap between them. Hint: Use the shift key whilst selecting the **Insert Pad** or **Insert SMD Pad** tool to automatically enter the Insert Multiple Items dialog straight away. * [Online DRC](../Options/idh_options_online_drc.md) - to restrict positioning of the pad to conform with the design rules settings within the Technology data. * [Display Clearance](../options/idh_display_clearances.md) - to present a visible warning if you are positioning a pad too close to another item within the design. * [Change Grid](../Change/idh_change_grid.md) - To change the grid step, or work with no grid.

  4. Move the pad to the correct position and left click to release it. Another pad using the same style and layer, but with the next pin number will appear for you to place next.

  5. When all pads have been added, press the Escape key to exit the insert pad mode. The pad currently being moved will be deleted.

After adding all the pads the pin numbers may be dragged into more convenient positions. Use the Renumber Pins option to set the correct pin order on the footprint.

Change Grid | Change Layer | Change Style | Display Clearance | Insert Multiple Items | Online DRC | Pad Defaults | Renumber Pins | Technology

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